The American Flag

[--Pete]

Hi,

That second one is interesting. I've folded my share of American flags, and probably made 13 folds almost every time (the fixed proportions of the flag should make this inevitable barring an incredibly loose fold), but I've never counted the folds, been told there are to be 13 folds (until today), or heard any ceremonial script providing significance to each fold. If it comes out looking like a blue paper football with some white stars on it, it's a good fold in my book. I suppose that would not be a fitting explanation to include in a military memorial service.

Like you, I've folded my fair share of flags and didn't know about the 13 folds until recently. Amazingly enough, it was a Jeopardy! 'question' in the last few weeks. Serendipity, I guess. :)

--Pete